Lightning Acquire Simon Gagne from Flyers for Matt Walker, Pick

The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired speedy winger Simon Gagne from the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday for defenseman Matt Walker and a fourth-round pick.

Gagne trade rumors had circulated throughout the offseason, but a move was believed to be in limbo because of uncertainty about where Ilya Kovalchuk would land. The trade was announced several hours after Kovalchuk said he was returning to the New Jersey Devils, though Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman called the timing "totally coincidental.".

Yzerman said that he and Flyers GM Paul Holmgren began talking about possible trades at the draft. The Lightning were looking to add another top-six forward and said Gagne will be a good fit.

"I like his all-around game," Yzerman said. "He plays in all situations: power play, penalty kill, even strength. He's a responsible defensive player. He has speed and can score goals."

Gagne played his entire career with the Flyers, recording 259 goals and 524 points in 664 games. He ranks ninth on the all-time Flyers list for goals, 10th for points and 11th for power play goals (72). He topped 40 goals in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, with a career-best 47 in the first season.

Last season, Gagne needed hernia surgery and was held to 17 regular-season goals. But he scored nine playoff goals as the Flyers reached the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1997. His return from a broken toe in Game 4 of the second round was crucial to the Flyers' overcoming a 3-0 series deficit to the Boston Bruins.

Gagne, 30, had to waive a no-movement clause to facilitate the trade.

"I'm really looking forward to playing with guys like (Vincent) Lecavalier, (Steven) Stamkos and (Martin) St. Louis," he said.